Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Dead King" is not a specific title found within the biblical text, but it can be used to refer to various kings mentioned in the Bible who died, often as a result of divine judgment or in the fulfillment of prophetic words. The narratives surrounding these kings provide insights into the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.Saul, the First King of Israel King Saul, the first king of Israel, is a prominent example of a "dead king" whose life and death are recorded in the Scriptures. Saul was anointed by the prophet Samuel as the first monarch of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). However, his reign was marked by disobedience to God's commands, leading to his rejection by God. In 1 Samuel 15:26, Samuel tells Saul, "I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel." Saul's death is recounted in 1 Samuel 31, where he falls on his own sword to avoid capture by the Philistines. His demise is seen as a direct consequence of his failure to obey God, as prophesied by Samuel in 1 Samuel 28:19: "Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me." Ahab, King of Israel Another significant "dead king" is Ahab, the king of Israel, whose reign is detailed in 1 Kings 16-22. Ahab is known for his idolatry and for leading Israel into sin, largely influenced by his wife, Jezebel. The prophet Elijah confronts Ahab, declaring God's judgment upon him and his household (1 Kings 21:21-22). Ahab's death occurs during the battle at Ramoth-gilead, as prophesied by the prophet Micaiah (1 Kings 22:28). Despite his attempts to disguise himself, Ahab is struck by a random arrow and dies, fulfilling the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah (1 Kings 22:34-38). Josiah, King of Judah In contrast to Saul and Ahab, King Josiah of Judah is remembered as a righteous king who sought to restore true worship in Israel. His death, however, is a poignant reminder of the complexities of divine providence. Josiah dies in battle against Pharaoh Neco of Egypt at Megiddo, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:29-30. Despite his reforms and faithfulness, Josiah's untimely death is seen as part of God's larger plan for Judah, leading to the eventual Babylonian exile. Herod the Great In the New Testament, Herod the Great is another figure whose death is significant. Known for his role in the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16), Herod's death is recorded in Matthew 2:19. His demise marks a turning point, allowing the Holy Family to return from Egypt, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Matthew 2:15). Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I, another ruler in the Herodian dynasty, is struck down by an angel of the Lord for his arrogance and failure to give glory to God. Acts 12:23 states, "Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." His death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty. These accounts of "dead kings" in the Bible illustrate the overarching biblical themes of divine justice, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations and their leaders. Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |